Looking for a dish that’s both hearty and packed with flavor? This Cajun Steak Rigatoni is a culinary dream. Tender steak slices seasoned with bold Cajun spices are tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni and coated in a creamy parmesan cheese sauce. It’s indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly quick to make, perfect for a special weeknight dinner or impressing guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy parmesan sauce with a spicy Cajun kick
Juicy steak slices cooked to perfection
Quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests
Can be customized with extra veggies or spice levels
Ingredients
For the Steak:
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2 boneless ribeye steaks, sliced thinly
-
2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
-
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rigatoni & Sauce:
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12 oz rigatoni pasta
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2 tbsp butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the rigatoni
Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
Cook the steak
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak slices with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked to your liking. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir in parmesan cheese and smoked paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Combine everything
Add the cooked rigatoni and steak slices to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a rich, flavorful meal.
Variations
Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Substitute ribeye with sirloin or chicken for a different protein.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Expert Tips
Don’t overcook the steak; thin slices cook quickly.
Save pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for the perfect creamy texture.
Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor and creaminess.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free rigatoni.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Cook the steak and sauce separately; combine with pasta just before serving to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
Cajun Steak Slices in Rigatoni with Parmesan Cheese Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and indulgent pasta dish perfect for steak lovers. The creamy parmesan sauce with a hint of Cajun spice makes every bite unforgettable. Try this recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends and family!
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Cajun Steak Slices in Rigatoni with Parmesan Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
-
2 boneless ribeye steaks, sliced thinly
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
-
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rigatoni & Sauce:
-
12 oz rigatoni pasta
-
2 tbsp butter
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
-
½ tsp smoked paprika
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the rigatoni
Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain. -
Cook the steak
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak slices with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked to your liking. Remove from skillet and set aside. -
Prepare the sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir in parmesan cheese and smoked paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. -
Combine everything
Add the cooked rigatoni and steak slices to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. -
Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a rich, flavorful meal.
Notes
Cajun Steak Slices in Rigatoni with Parmesan Cheese Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and indulgent pasta dish perfect for steak lovers. The creamy parmesan sauce with a hint of Cajun spice makes every bite unforgettable. Try this recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends and family!
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